Disability Allowance – children and adults

If you have regular, ongoing costs that are directly related to your disability you may qualify for a disability allowance that contributes toward paying those costs. For example doctor’s visits and prescription cost for medication that is required for managing Tourette Syndrome.

2. Educational

Special Assessment Conditions for exams

Sitting exams is stressful for anyone, let alone if you have a tic disorder like Tourette’s.

Students with Tourette’s who are studying for National Qualifications may however qualify for Special Assessment Conditions (SAC) that are granted by NZQA.

Applications for SAC need to be made on behalf of the student by the school or training institute to NZQA. It is important to let the school or training institute know about any special needs, or potential special needs requirements, as soon as the student enrols at a high school.

What are Special Assessment Conditions?

Special Assessment Conditions (SAC) provide extra help for approved students when they are being assessed for their NCEA so that barriers to achievement can be removed and they then have a fair opportunity to achieve credits. The support is used for internal standards and external (exams) standards.

Examples of SAC are use of a writer or computer, rest breaks, Braille or enlarged papers, or reader.

If a person is providing support with reading or writing, they may not guide the student or explain the assessment.

Only students approved by NZQA can use SAC for assessment for NCEA.

Who can apply for SAC?

Your child may have sensory, physical, medical and/or learning difficulties/disabilities that might be able to be overcome or reduced considerably with appropriate assistance.

Let the school know when your child enrols at their secondary school or as soon as a possible need is suspected or identified. The earlier that a school knows of a possible need, the earlier various types of assistance can be trialled. The school will contact you about the needs they have identified for your child, and they will trial various support that may help your child’s learning. This helps to determine if an application can be made to NZQA for assessments, and for which SACs.

3. Health

Disability Support and Services

Unfortunately Tourette Syndrome does not qualify for any disability support or services within the Ministry of Health guidelines however some of the comorbid disorders associated with Tourette Syndrome may qualify.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this site are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the Tourette’s Association New Zealand unless specified otherwise. The material provided is for information only and not to be used for diagnosis or treatment purposes. The information provided is not a substitute for professional care in the diagnosis, treatment and management of genetic conditions.